>
>>because I don't know the basics of Csound. I
>>know how to use Virtual Waves because I know what it can do and I
>>understand it, but Csound is entirely unknown to me. Apparently it
>>generates the sound and the melody together, right? If there is a
>>walkthrough available on the web (one that doesn't jump in directly to the
>>orchestra commands), point me to it please. If anyone has the time, please
>>e-mail me privately.
>

One book that all newbies should probably get a copy of is F. R. Moore's
"Elements of Computer Music", and/or Charles Dodge's "Computer Music".
These books take you through some of the basic assumptions of the "acoustic
compiler" style of computer music, introduce the concepts of things like
Phase Vocoding and Linear Prediction, and in general give an idea of why
all the hassle associated with this kind of computer music making is worth
it.  

Of course if you're near Stanford or Princeton you should also consider
taking courses that they offer.  NYU is also offering courses I think.
Csound is a tool and an instrument, not just a point-and-click product.
Like other instruments it requires study and preferably a real live
teacher, with examples and etudes.